I refuse to pay those ridiculous prices for high end products. Especially when I am perfectly happy with the drug store makeup that I use. Sure, the packaging is more luxurious, but I'm not trying to impress myself with how much money I spend when I'm in my bathroom applying makeup. Most drugstore products last me all day and still look good. That's all I need.
I 100% agree. I've bought both, and I don't think that one outlasts the other. I too think our drugstore products are good quality these days (but the prices are climbing, however they have regular sales, which I keep my eye open for.)
@lynettefinnigan9540 And let's face it, Jen is absolutely necessary to the process! She always brings those great products to our attention! I count on her honest reviews.
I buy both drugstore and high end. At the end of the day it is all about performance of the product. Over the years I've had duds from both the drugstore and luxury oroducts.
I love luxury makeup for the experience you get when you use it but the actual cost to make it isn't much more than drugstore (I've worked in makeup formulation). The reasons you listed such as packaging and manufacture is a small part of the cost increase but maybe only a few dollars. Most of the price is just markup for no reason other than to make it seem exclusive and it's pure greed, nothing more.
Agreed! I love to look at it touch it and put it on. But think of getting compliments on how YOU look. Do you really get more compliments wearing luxury makeup? I know I don’t.
Agreed! I love to look at it touch it and put it on. But think of getting compliments on how YOU look. Do you really get more compliments wearing luxury makeup? I know I don’t. I think that unless I do a “look” with a lot of colors, etc. nobody even notices. 😂
What are you talking about? That lip balm alone is around 45€. To be able to do such no-cost calendar, you have to buy those items first, at some point.
Your "Shop My Stash Advent" idea is classic! It's a "no buy" holiday treasure. Your idea to have Henry select the gifts and secretly bag them is better than PriceWaterhouse hermetically sealing the Oscar winners' names! I believe you have started a new tradition, Jen. It is refreshing idea! Also, I LOVE your decorations. So lovely!
Some are worth it, really !! Especially skin care products. Although ,they're over priced,some luxury brands like Clarinse ,Lancome & Sisley ,etc.They are truly great brands ,but over priced !? Of course !! Sisley Paris is fabulous !! But,way,way expensive. Over priced ,yes,of course !! But,do they have real rivals, or anyone else produce real equivalent products at cheaper prices !? No,I don't think so !! Clarinse & I forgot the name of the brand at this moment ,the one founded by a bio chemist based on algae study . They truly work !! Real good brands !! Then on top of everyone, Sisley Paris exists !! But,we can find decent stuffs at way more affordable or much cheaper ones that work ,work differently with different ingredients & FORMULA( formulations & manufacturing make the difference as well ,not just the ingredients !! ) But ,do they work instantly & do the miracle like effects of those high end brand's products do ,no ,merely ,barely !! The most important key products that are cheap ,cost effective & work are glycerin, rose water & Castor oil .Glycerin & Castor oil are in almost every skin care / cosmetic products. That us why ,because they're staples !!! And key ingredients !!! Lol You can buy 'em everywhere & they're cheap !! Facial cleansers are very ,very important ,too !! They have to be right for your skin ( dry or oily ,etc ) ,they need to be able to remove all the make up as well ! ( again depending on your skin types & what kind of make up you wear like heavy or waterproof kinds or natural ones ,so on ) What Jen said here is very true ,too ! The famouse cream starts w M has very ,very cheap ingredients & I believe it's just a hype !! As all the celebrities endorsed !! A lot of times,they really don't even use 'em !! Lol.My late dad was a doctor ,but he had skin care lines ,too ,he taught me about that when I was a teenager. I had friends who were in the advertising business ,they all told me the same that they use cheap ingredients & put tiny bit of the key ingredients &" major break through " ingredients in ,then spend the most on packaging / design / advertising, that is where the most of their money go to !!( advertisements) .💜🥁🐉🎤🎶💞
* LA Mere ,started w L not M ,my bad ! Lol It was way back in the late 90's ,I think when I heard of 'em for the very 1st time on tv ,then everywhere in magazines !! Then,I read the ingredients at a department store, I went " The heck !!? There's nothing real good in here !!? How can this work like a miracle everyone's saying !!??" I realized it was just a hype ! That's what celebrities do & the advertisement companies do !!! Lol. The sales person asked me if I wanted to buy it ,I told her exactly these & that was the reason I wouldn't !! Lol. 💜🥁🐉🎤🎶💞
Marlena Stell did a video a while back about the costs of everything from the formulations, packaging, etc. She even covered the price points of palettes that have mirrors and how much they add to the cost.
Jen Phelps this is a great video. One thing that you forgot to mention though is that several luxury and prestige brands also have sister drug store brands. Case in point that L’Oreal owns Maybelline, L’Oreal, Urban Decay, Lancôme and Armani makeup. And I’m sure that many influencers know this. And it blows my mind when they act surprised that a L’Oreal foundation is a great dupe for Armani Luminous Silk (of course it is because the same parent company is making it).
I'm glad someone commented this! I've used L'oreal as a dupe for Lancome for years. Back in the '90s some of their lipstick formulas were indistinguishable.
I love Urban Decay eyeshadow pallets, especially those mini pallets of the naked colors in taupes/brown shades. The colors I don’t use on my eyes is used to blend out gray areas in my hairline until I can get to my hair colorist’s house for a freshen up. I use it all.
This brings to mind La Mer skin care. Almost every Derm MD I’ve watched has said skincare from this brand is (way) overpriced and contains minimal actives. Some people with money to burn really just want to be able to show their wealth by using products like this. This is nothing new, but what IS new is the way in which we can now access very expensive things without actually buying them. When you’re on a McDonalds budget but you see people eating fillet mingon for every meal, you want the pricier item, even though you had previously been quite happy with McDonalds. Before the internet, most people on a budget really didn’t frequent very expensive retailers, so the exposure to the pricier things you don’t have was minimal. Exposure = Covet.
People have been able to share their experiences more bc of social media. However, everyone has to stay in their own budget and stick to products that work for them. Use the stuff you have and shop smart. Be financially responsible. Don’t compare your life to others.
A few personal things when it comes to luxury make up or fragrance: - I personally hate it when packaging is extremely heavy compared to its size. I don't need my eyeshadow palette or fragrance bottle to double as a weapon. I don't like it when my bag feels like I'm going away for a week just for taking my lipstick and a powder with me. - I always feel bad when a product has luxury outer packaging or comes in a fancy box. I don't know what to do with that, and it's too pretty to throw away. Eventually I end up throwing it out anyway, feeling bad about that. So very luxurious outer packaging is not my thing. I do appreciate some complementary mini's, though.
I agree with everything you said. But it also depends on what kind of collection you enjoy-I’d rather have three Dior Addict lipsticks than eight lipsticks from the drugstore. The same with Dior bronzers, Hourglass blushes, Guerlain meteorites. I really enjoy the products and packaging and I’d rather have a small collection I can use up.
Agree. Also the lasting power on Armani blush versus drugstore blush in same ish color vs blush that stays through out hell in summer (live in Deep South). There have been some compromises that I found definitely at the drugstore, but on mascara, I waffle a bit (or get minis unless I’m at Chanel counter) as the best one I found has been a Japanese one and I religiously use it, but will also try out Armani or Chanel products. And Lancome is my go to. i’d rather invest my money in good skin care as honestly I’m 35 and the only thing I’ll wear that’s liquid is a very, very small amount of NARS concealer and only if absolutely necessary and an old one, but a good one and that’s the Mac powder foundation. Once I started putting my all into in hair and skin care, then I focus on premium products that last all day with my eye make up/face. It really does depend on. But I’m sick of viral skin care products that do more of the same. I have switched to some new skin care products because I do use Trent and do treatments in between, but some products have been around for years upon years and that simply because they work. I do love Korean, French, in Japanese beauty, however. But I don’t mind shelling out the money on lipstick and eyeshadows that I know will last in especially primers. I use a good primer, good powder, and damn good setting spray mascara I go between. Abd I’ve found most of my HGs. Skincare is my main focus now. However I do use the Nivea hack as I compared the two and also in a French pharmacy they give great, cheaper alts that are amazing. I think it all just depends.
I have to admit that Guerlain meteorites are great. They last forever. But they've become outrageously expensive. I used to be able to buy L'Artisan perfumes for years. Now they're $300. I've worn great perfume for decades. I can no longer afford any perfume. There's no excuse for the greedy prices. Only the wealthy can afford it.
I really enjoy the Dior’s addict lipsticks and lip balms. My daughter also loves the brand’s lipsticks. The shades are beautiful, the formula is light plus those cases are so lux.
I like luxury makeup. But here’s the thing, I don’t buy a lot of makeup.. so purchasing a few luxury items that I know I will use and enjoy using doesn’t really break the bank. Plus the packaging is 100x better and for some reason I reach for something more when the packaging is nice. Silly I know, but it’s the truth.
@ yeah no shit lol I know I’m not unique. I also know people who don’t care whatsoever about packaging and will use whatever as long as it works. I’m just stating that I prefer to use something that works and looks pretty on the outside.
I'm almost 50 and I have never bought a luxury makeup item. The products, for what they are, are ridiculously priced and none of the are worth my hard earned money. They just will never have that importance to me personally.
I will say someone once gave me Estee Lauder 4 eyeshadow palette and it was definitely a 10x better than drug store stuff. It didn't flake, smooth application and it blended so well. I went out clubbing and sweating and it was in tact next morning.
With high end it's always been about how it makes people feel imo, and it's a bonus if it's actually good. I had NYX pearl pigments in 2010 that had the look of the Patrick Ta shadows.
My biggest draw to more luxury makeup is the nuances in shades especially in lipsticks, with some exceptions drugstore lipstick shades tend to be stuck in certain expressions of nude, pink, rose, red etc. luxury brands have more varied shading and being a mid tone cool tone mature skin woman, I can’t do brights or brownish anymore. I often mix two or three shades together to get what I want but touch ups are more complicated 😅 Great subject Jen 🎉
Wow, your son has grown!! Such an excellent video. I rarely buy hi-end because I find excellent drugstore products. I just don't see the need to buy hi-end especially if brands gift products & trips to people; I wash my face at the end of the day and the makeup products all goes down the drain. Thank you for being here for me !
I think what most people don't realize about Tir Tir and sending expensive gifts to influencers is the difference in culture. In many Asian societies, gifts are a part of the whole sale process, both inexpensive and luxurious. I hope these companies hire advisores that will steer them down the right path. Having recently tried luxury makeup and skincare, I can see the appeal. Even ordering from a mid-tier brand like Tarte was much nicer than buying from Ulta. My order came beautifully wrapped in a reusable box and came with samples I was not expecting.
I absolutely love ❤️ Tarte! Everything I got was wrapped up beautifully and nothing broke on the way! (Lol Sephora and Ulta) and just now got my order in yesterday) Everything looks FANTASTIC! I appreciate that
I only get luxury brands if they're running a special deal. Last Christmas I got a Dior gift set for $120. It came with 2 lipsticks, makeup cleanser, facial moisturizer, eye gel, mascara and eye shadow palette, all full size. Plus a Miss Dior perfume mini. Not to mention it was packaged in an attractive reusable case that zipped up, with a handle, I can use after the cosmetics are used up. If I wait until the holidays are over, many retailers put holiday sets on sale for 30% - 70% off.
As a retired person, I can't spend top dollar on things. However, I rarely did when I was working. When I was on top of my game career-wise, I would treat myself more often. But, I didn't always feel the product was any better than drugstore products. The only difference I found between high end and drugstore was perfumes.
For brands like Dior and Chanel I’ve always thought that it’s the wildly overpriced cosmetics lines that prop up the Haute Couture division. When you think about the required margins (to satisfy the investors/shareholders) you can begin to appreciate just how obscene the whole shabby situation is. As a marketing pro you’ll know that in retail you have one of the following: High volume/low margin (eg Elf) Low volume/high margin (eg Patrick Ta) The holy grail is high volume/high margin. Once you understand that you realise why the brands push push push their stuff out to the “influencers” Find a product that works for you; pay less attention to the name on the box!
@@stormcloudgathering I do think that both Dior and Chanel eyeshadows are beautiful, and look gorgeous, but I'm not able and or willing to spend that much money on one. Granted if people bought less of everything then it could kind of even out, say if you only owned the one $80.00 palette, as opposed to 7 10.00 dollar ones 🤷 / It's all tied to the 2000's pattern of over consumption, with literally EVERYTHING....
@@zeitgeist7788 indeed, but the Wertheimer brothers have invested a not inconsiderable amount of money into the company and will require a return on that investment.
One main thing I don’t like about drugstore foundation is the undertones it’s very hard to find one that works for me. High end is better about undertones for pale olive skin. Other than that I like drugstore mostly.
I agree most drugstore foundations have bad shade ranges and/or undertones that aren't realistic. I'm a fair/light olive and have found a couple of gems though: Maybelline super stay skin tint, shade 118 & Loreal infallible in shade 415.
1. A few years ago I ordered a lipstick from Chanel (my first and only purchase to date) and it came in a beautiful, sturdy box that I still use to this day and a handful of samples. The shopping experience made the expensive lipstick worth it. But even Chanel is cheap these days and they send little folded paper bags instead of boxes if you don't buy enough products. It's probably better for the environment tbh but it detracts from the lux shopping experience. 2. I've been no buy for a couple of years now and what I've come to realize is that we all own way too much makeup. I've gifted so much and I still have enough foundation to last 2-4 years and enough lipsticks that I can wear a different color every day for 1+ months. I have 8-10 eyeshadow palettes. When I feel the urge to buy the newest hyped product, I just go play with what I have and I always realize that what I have serves my needs. My goal is to hit pan on my products and that hasn't happened yet.
Makeup is fun and I have 3 teenage granddaughters that I gift barely used products to them - mostly eyeshadows that didn’t work for me. They use it all. My own mother wore red lipstick and nothing else. My daughter seldom wears makeup but her daughters do wear it just like I do. Makeup love must skip generations in my family 😂.
It's funny that you did this video now, because I've been thinking about something simular for the past couple of weeks. I watch several influences on you tube and have been thinking WHY with all these expensive products being given out for FREE to certain peoples do we ( the rest of us ) get stuck paying the high prices???
I got so much hate when I commented about how expensive those Patrick Ta eyeshadows are. It was ridiculous the way women were defending it. I just ordered the Kylie Cosmetics eyeshadow glitter quad that was on sale for 16 dollars on her website. They are just as sparkly. I can't wait to get them.
Oh and I forgot something : thank you for your excellent American-English, speed, prononciation, vocabulary, accent, you greatly contributes to my knowledge of your language - I live in Europe and speak French.
I love being able to see how much your son has grown each year. I remember not too long ago he had to hold the banister going down the stairs. ☺️ You share but are still discreet.
I just want products to WORK! Not a fan of paying extravagant amounts for something that I will just wash down the drain. I DO love the Tir Tir, but I use a brush for more natural finish. Still great coverage without the mask feeling. I'm oily skin though. That may make a difference. Maybelline Fit Me matte and poreless and ELF soft glam are my other go-to's. I am so glad there are people like you out there being so willing to talk about these issues!
Yes a lot of luxury makeup is absolutely a scam. You're buying the name/brand in most instances. Also a lot of luxury is more about the packaging verses the actual formula. I stopped buying luxury a few years ago. Also, forgive me if im wrong but doesn't the owners of these luxury brands also own the drug store brands? Because it wolud make sense that the luxury items would hit first and then sometime later, the drugstore would release their own version. I thought that there was a bit of a monopoly going on in the makeup industry where some of the bigger brands owned the drugstore brands. Edit: this is no shade to anyone who loves to buy luxury and experiencing the luxury experience. Whatever brings you joy is worth it ❤
You're absolutely right about the luxury brands also owning the drugstore brands, the British beauty editor Nadine Baggott talks about it all the time, citing l'Oréal as an example.
One thing I will say about luxury makeup is that the undertones and colors are generally better than drugstore, in my humble opinion. I also don't mind paying a bit more for better quality when I know it will last me a long time.
Hi Jen, I think Revlon Super Lustrous lipsticks rival many high end brands. I enjoy many of Clinique products (foundation, stick blush and lipsticks in Sugar Pop, Bare Pop and Melon Pop)and Estee Lauder lipsticks are nice too. Thanks for the fun video. xoxo, Karen
Drug store makeup is extremely over priced as well. A mascara pre covid was no more than $12-$14. Now drugstore mascara is up there too , some $20ish. Craziness
@kathrynrady8028 I used to think similarly, but my exceptions are the Covergirl Simply Ageless Perfector Essence and eyeshadow palettes from Juvia's Place (which isn't in drugstores, but is in the drugstore section at Ulta). But I understand your position. Prices are generally too high at the drugstore.
I was listening to this video while doing housework and when I heard your vlogmas music, I instantly got so happy. I look forward to your vlogmas this month!
Thank you so much for your video. Its crazy to see your son growing up! Anyway. I was a drugstore only kind of girl when that's all I could afford. I always wanted to experience the luxury side of things (Not LaMer level). But I can now afford it. My kids are grown and I can live my best life. So I have Dior, Chanel, YSL, but I also have my drugstore. So now that I have experienced the things that were on my wish list, I now know what I like and what I don't want to spend my hard earned money on. I do now find that I favor some drugstore foundations/skincare, and midrange brands. But I do look differently at ALL brands (especially skincare) now that I have been educated on ingredients. I love the discussions in the comments.
Totally agree! It’s all about emotion. People don’t buy based off need or what makes sense for them, it’s all based on feeling and “scarcity” I have learned to take my time and purchase items that make sense.
Jen, thanks to you I recently tried the Neutrogena Hydro boost skin tint and I absolutely love it (you had talked about it in a recent video). I have a few high end foundations I plan to use up, and I’m seriously not going to buy them anymore. The hydro boost makes my skin feel like velvet, doesn’t settle into my fine lines, and surprisingly lasts all day on my skin. You are right, the brand is underrated. No, it’s not a “sexy” foundation, but boy is it ever good. Thanks!
It's a shame. Bourjois liquid foundation cost 20 euro, L'Oreal getting close , lipsticks are also overpriced, costs of food is insane in my country...I'm angry becose my salery is not getting higher, I am working and becoming more poor every day.🤬
Drugstore has gotten better but I would really like to see some ingredients like talc eliminated in more of them. Talc specifically is usually cross contamination with asbestos. High end has this problem too but it’s more common on the low end. Talc free is one of the big ones I look at regardless of price.
Thank you Jen!! We can rely on you to research and reveal the fictions created by the beauty industry. Your presentation is always so delightful as are you!🥰🥰 Merry Christmas!🎄 ❤️
I like the luxury experience of makeup. But it's my hobby, and I'm ok with the cost. I also get irritated that every time I buy something from, say Wet & Wild, the cheap packaging breaks. After 2 or 3 times, I don't want to purchase anymore from the company.
I have bought two of the blushes with powder and cream duos and an eyeshadow palette. But to be honest, I don’t reach for them that often. They just aren’t that special and not worth the money. I don’t plan on getting any more.
love the way you're keeping it creative while shopping your stash! i feel like 'luxury' makeup has a limiting return on value. if someone wants to pay $40+ on two eyeshadows, that's their prerogative, but i'd rather pay that amount of money knowing that the people who made it were paid a liveable wage, the makeup was made ethically, and that it is an experience. i just hope that inflating these makeup prices doesn't become normalized (as much as they already have been!)
Another great video, Jen! I totally agree with you. We have to be savvy consumers. And the more people are willing to hand over the big bucks for luxury makeup, the higher the prices will go for drugstore too. And I especially love the idea of using what you have probably forgotten about in your makeup bags as an advent calendar! So fun - especially to see what your son picked out!
Less expensive makeup brands are killing it these days! The only high end product I’ve bought is foundation. I love Dior’s ForeverMatte and Backstage F&B but I mostly wear LOreal foundations for my everyday look.
I agree! 20yrs ago I never bought drugstore foundation. It was always Lancôme or Dior. Now there are so many really good drugstore options that it takes a really special new formula, like the Haus Labs, for me to be willing to spend the extra dollars.
I totally agree with you. Like, i feel like most of the time the price of high end products (skincare, bags, etc.) are marked up and not exactly worth the cost for people with budget. I understand it may be an experience for you, but at the same time it's just an illusion. I'm new to your channel, and i'm loving your works. Your content stems from consumer's perspective, which i need, as i feel the need to stay away from influence from the people on the internet.
This is such a great video idea but I haven’t even watched it yet because I needed to tell you how happy it makes me to see your Vlogmas intro! 😍❤️ It makes me feel like everything is going to be okay! So comforting. And your son grew so much this year…
Love this video I am 60 yrs young love drug store brands have very dry skin however this year bought lots of high end makeup I mean lots as I felt I may be missing out. However I discovered that my drug store makeup won hands down. Have been subscribed to your channel from the start love your honesty and delivery. Watching from Ireland
For me, it depends on the product. 99% of the time drugstore works great. Usually it's foundation, powder and sunscreen that I have to go mid to luxury brands.
I watched a study on sunscreen and not all highend was as good as the cheapest. I bought a no-name sunscreen from a supermarket (as I'd forgotten to pack for holiday) I slopped it on everyone and not one of us got one sunburnt anything the whole 2 weeks!! Dirt cheap and best formula ever!! Never found it again though 😢😢😢
That's great that the cheap stuff works for you. I have oily mature skin, and also can only wear mineral sunscreen. Supergoop Matte Mineral sunscreen is the only face sunscreen I can wear that looks good and wears well. Sometimes you just have to pay more for what works.
Yes!! I've started to feel icky buying so many things when a lot of people in the world are struggling. I've started using a good portion of my RUclips earnings to give back to various charities and spend less on makeup.
I started using luxury makeup from the start, when I turned 16 my mom took me to the Clinique counter and she bought me my first blush and lip gloss. With that said I had the full attention of the sales person and to me and it was an experience I will never forget! I do appreciate beautiful packaging and respect that luxury brands are for the most part the innovators pushing cosmetics into the future that the drugstore will later dupe. I do still tend to buy luxury makeup but I NEVER pay full price, I save my points and wait for sales, although I agree with you I rarely take advantage of the service a high end department store offers and I do feel like I am missing out a little, its such a treat having someone personalize the experience. Although Patrick seems to be the offender we are all talking about (I guess because he is not in the price range of his brand, those duos stand out). But come on TOM FORD, Sisley, Chantellic etc. even Lancome's holiday palette is almost $90 and I will happly concede these brands are out of touch with even every day people who want to splurge, frankly its offensive. One thing your content reminded me of is how much I use to enjoy going to a makeup counter at Saks, Macys or Neiman and take advantage of their expertise and enjoy being waited on! Thank you Jen as usual very thought provoking content!
Luxury/Dept Store makeup is too fragranced for me so I avoided Chanel, Dior, etc. And I do not want sunscreen or actives in my makeup either. Drugstore gas improved their packaging thankfully. I absolutely hate plastic hinges that break & must be held together with a hair tie, lipstick & liner pencils with lids that won't stay on, etc. But now they are using cardboard & sturdier plastic packaging that is sleeker. So as long as the packaging doesn't break, leak, etc it's not a big deal to me. I just want a good product & most of the time I decant & depot & make my own palettes so the packaging isn't that important. It's ease of use & quality that matters.
I love your videos! I have been a professional makeup artist for 24 years, and an esthetician for 20, and I agree you can find phenomenal quality in all price points. Skincare, makeup, and brushes. I think there are brands worth investing in, and some I don’t use in my professional kit. The key benefits of the Laura Mercier powder, is in how finely milled it is so your makeup doesn’t become cakey over the day. I can’t say the same for the Maybelline powder, and you end up using more because it’s clumpier in texture. If you just need it to set for a few hours, not worth the price. But if you need it to last all day, worth every penny. And you use less, so it lasts longer anyway. Also, the new blurring one contains hyaluronic acid spheres, which most powders do not. Helps keep the skin balanced for drier skin types. So in some cases, you get what you pay for in terms of how long you need your makeup to last. Or how infrequently you need to touch up, but I do fully recognize there are drugstore brands that deliver fairly well. Depends on your financial priorities honestly.
There is another very important fact about which no one talks. Sometimes, the eveshadows are so cheap because they have cheap ingredients like Mica. This mineral is very often taken out in India in illegal mines where children work for almost no payment. So it is very cheap. Some brands really follow the track of the half products, and then it is more pricey for the end makeup product
Jen,you're so right !! My late dad was a doctor ( cerebral physiologist ) ,he was also a researcher who invented some medicines ,one of which is still selling in Japan,China,Thailand,Russia & Ukraine. but he expanded his business into a huge range from hair growth products ( which were best sellers in Japan for decades !! ) & cosmetic lines & he told me of those tricks / truth about the industry when I was a teenager, I believe I was only 17 or 18 !! Lol He also told me that they can put something they didn't wanna disclose as " fragrance " in 'em !!! LOL And as you know anything under 10% ,they do not have to mention in their ingredient lists,either !! 😅 La Mere cream was heavily endorsed by celebrities back in the late 90's ,I believe. Then it was everywhere in magazines here in the U.S.! I went to check on the ingredients out of my curiosity to a department store ( this was way before smartphones !! Lol. And I was not computer savvy ,still not to this day !! 😅 )and I went " What the heck !?? There's nothing good here in this jar !!" Lol. The sales lady asked me if I wanted to purchase it ,I told her exactly why I wouldn't !! Lol. The most of times ,these " celebrities " don't even really use those products at all !! Lol. Even lipstick's credits in magazines so on ,the make up artists use 3, 4 different coulous by totally different brands to work on the individuals !! Lol. I learned this when I was 18 or 19 in Tokyo !! They NEVER use one lipstick !!! Lol.The foundations & others are the same !! They often use totally different brands !!! LOL 😅😂 But,I know there are real excellent luxury brand's products & their stuffs really work !!! Some even do beyond my expectations !! Clarinse was all time fave !! They are still one of those luxury brands that really work & do some magic !! Estee Lauder is another . As for the skin care & body products, Clarinse !! ( almost everything is excellent !! Or at least ,they do better job than others ) ,Alginist is another luxury skin care brand & they really work !!! Then Lancome does have wonderful make up / skin care products. Then,top of everything, everone ,there's Sisley Paris exists !!! Lol. Are they all overpriced !? Of course they are !!! Lol. Anything they sell in this world is sold at 5 to 10 times more of the actual costs !! Because they're doing business !! They're in for profits !! 😅But ,the companies like these I mentioned here do produce stuffs do the magical things,too ~!! So,we ,as consumers ,we need to educate ourselves more ( we've come very far with that !! ) & be wiser !! Thanks to smartphones & social media & RUclipsrs like yourself !! People can do it easier nowadays !! Lol. The most of cosmetic/ skin care product companies spend their money more in packaging/ designs than ingredients & the most on advertisements !! The bigger ,the more !! Lol But,does this mean small brands are better ? No ,not so fast !! Lol. But,a big thanx to companies like Physician's formula & Burt's bee !! They truly raised the bar of drug store brand's qualities !!! And the competitions began !! Now ,more people buy & rely on drugstore brands than ever ,I believe !! The cheapest / most reliable ingredients are glycerin and castor oil ,also I'd like to say rose water ,too !! This is why we find glycerin/ castor oil in almost every single skin care/ cosmetic products since around '60's ,I believe !! They really work on some wrinkles, like 11 on foreheads And they make skin more supple & the smooth base for make up & grip make up more as primers !! Remember? Before" primers " ,we only had moisturizers with glycerin/ castor oil in 'em !! Because they're staples / key ingredients. We do not have to pay an arm and a leg for make up & skin care !! But, those luxury brands I mentioned make the work much easier & faster for sure !! Lol. Some of 'em does instantly !!! Like miracles !!! But,I cannot afford spending like I was !! 😅I swtitched to drug store brands mostly !! And I lean towards more cleaner or really clean ingredients & natural products these days !! But, withought having Physician's formula & Burt's bee aspiring others & bringing on the competitions to drug stores ,it would had been impossible !! As drug store brands were shxx before !! Lol. That all changed because of 'em about a decade ago !! And that's what it should be for us,consumers !!! Lol. I thank you so much for this video & your long lasting efforts you've been making !!!👍👍👍 💖💜🥁🐉🎤🎶💕💞
I agree 100% Prices for everyday goods like food and gas is just ridiculous!! I can’t handle buying Christmas presents for the teens and women in my life. Ugh 😑 Something cosmetic that is special costs 25-30 for a lip glass or balm. That’s 100$ or more??! Bundle gifts stink this year. I think we decided if we spend money it will be on an experience. Making memories. ❤
Flower knows has already shown what high end can be at reasonable price points if you want outstanding packaging. In Europe I would only buy Essence makeup not because it is cheap, which it is, or because they regularly have well-designed limited editions, but because it is marketed at minors and therefore has to meet the much higher health and safety standards for children. In the US, there is no need to buy anything more expensive than Physicians' Formula which is usually duping ultra high end makeup with better ingredients.
Jen I love when you go in with applying your pretty makeup while chatting and teaching us valuable information, now I love being a girly girl I love all my makeup and things and packaging and I love being in my makeup/perfume room but I will not just give my money away for nothing Patrick Ta eye shadow is just way too overpriced he did it to see if he could get away with it. Crushed pearls is a BIG GIMMICK and he knows it. Jen thank you.❤
You created a great look with your selections, Jen! They match nicely with the lip product your son picked out. What a great idea for an advent calendar! I agree with your thoughts completely. You put together a comprehensive, well thought out video about overpriced makeup.
I really enjoy your videos and your critical analysis and balanced approach. I have often saved money by watching your channel when you do deep dives into eyeshadow palettes as an example. I’ve gone into my already purchased products, especially color pop, and seen that I really don’t need a new palette. however, sometimes I give in anyway and enjoy that luxury experience. But I do love a lot of drugstore products as well. But Armani liquid blushes and luminous silk foundation just feels really good on my skin and maybe I’m falling for the hype but I love them.
Great video, Jen! Your son is getting so big. I don’t buy anything from Ulta online anymore. They don’t take any pride in the packaging of the products they sell. I can’t tell you how many powder eyeshadows, blush, or bronzers I purchased that had to be returned because they arrived broken. I would rather go directly to the brand website and make my purchase. The experience, like you said, is much, much better. Pricing is the same from wherever you buy. What I don’t like is that brands change the formulation of their product and it usually isn’t as good as the original. I finally found my favorite foundation. Loved it, used it everyday. Guess what, they changed the formulation and it’s not as good. Have to find a new fav. Thank you for your videos. Happy Holidays!
Great video! All of the points you highlighted seem spot on. I don’t buy luxury makeup or even middle of the road makeup (usually) so it’s mostly drugstore. I’ve been quite happy with it. I think you really hit the nail on the head when you said that most people care about what the makeup looks like and how it performs when you apply and wear it. And there is a drugstore dupe or alternative for almost every luxury product on the market. The colorpop super shock shadow was an excellent example! There is something to be said for the experience of buying luxury (if you choose to buy from places that actually give you the experience) while I don’t purchase luxury makeup, I do tend to favor luxury fragrances. Thankfully I don’t go through them fast! And I like diamonds. So ever so often my husband and I will be at the jewelers getting my rings cleaned or sized or what have you, and he will surprise me with something new. I like that experience 😊 ok I wrote a book sorry! Love the vlogmas and having Henry choose your makeup advent countdown was a fantastic idea! Love it! Hope you have a great week! Hugs 💖
Chanel water-fresh tint is the only thing my skin loves, and there's no dupe for this. And I totally understand why I am paying such ridiculous price. But will buy it again and again :)
Adoring the intro, again, still.. And so good to see your son, how big is he already! ❤ I just can't afford luxury makeup, but even if I could, l wouldn't be able to justify those very high prices to myself, among my life circumstances.
I am a visual person and the packaging reels me in every time. Not that there aren't drughstore makeup that I absolutely love, but there is just something about the whole aesthetics surrounding luxury/high end products. I say buy what you like and makes you feel your best. Have amazing day everyone!!
Yes, occasionally I buy a highend product just because I really do like the packaging. Like Hourglass blush, I wish all palettes were made so easy open like theirs.
❤❤❤ this video. I think that the more luxury brand is more over hyped and too expensive and the cheaper version perform just as good or if not better. I recently did two different makeup looks using my bh cosmetics palettes and I love it.❤
I’m allergic to “luxury” everything. It’s all marketing to entice you to part with your money to make rich people richer. Don’t fall for it. You are enough, exactly as you are! Happiness comes from within.
I enjoyed this as a makeup junkie😂 I loved your observation of the story behind the brand. Americans love a good story and so do I tbh😅 It tugs on one’s heart strings and emotions. The most successful and notable brands always have a great story!
When it comes to luxury makeup or fragrance, I think that materials and ingredients are higher quality, and also it depends on the regulation of the country of origin. In EU luxury, highend and drugstore products are safe ingredientwise, but differ in performance. One can splurge on things they wish, but I have seen overconsumerism in drugstore and affordable items as far as it is easy to pay less money at once.
Yay! Vlogmas with Jen! 😃⛄️ I have a mix of high end and drugstore. There are so many great drugstore products out there! Hey have you tried any of the Olay super serums? They’re pricey so I’ve been reluctant to buy and I haven’t really seen any reviews on them. Just curious if you’ve tried any of them.
I refuse to pay those ridiculous prices for high end products. Especially when I am perfectly happy with the drug store makeup that I use. Sure, the packaging is more luxurious, but I'm not trying to impress myself with how much money I spend when I'm in my bathroom applying makeup. Most drugstore products last me all day and still look good. That's all I need.
I 100% agree. I've bought both, and I don't think that one outlasts the other. I too think our drugstore products are good quality these days (but the prices are climbing, however they have regular sales, which I keep my eye open for.)
Agree 100 percent.
@lynettefinnigan9540 And let's face it, Jen is absolutely necessary to the process! She always brings those great products to our attention! I count on her honest reviews.
I buy both drugstore and high end. At the end of the day it is all about performance of the product. Over the years I've had duds from both the drugstore and luxury oroducts.
Amen 🙌🏾
I love luxury makeup for the experience you get when you use it but the actual cost to make it isn't much more than drugstore (I've worked in makeup formulation). The reasons you listed such as packaging and manufacture is a small part of the cost increase but maybe only a few dollars. Most of the price is just markup for no reason other than to make it seem exclusive and it's pure greed, nothing more.
Agreed! I love to look at it touch it and put it on. But think of getting compliments on how YOU look. Do you really get more compliments wearing luxury makeup? I know I don’t.
Agreed! I love to look at it touch it and put it on. But think of getting compliments on how YOU look. Do you really get more compliments wearing luxury makeup? I know I don’t.
I think that unless I do a “look” with a lot of colors, etc. nobody even notices. 😂
Agreed! I also worked in the beauty industry and we spent more on the packaging than on the product itself.
And that pure greed making us consumers pay more for is absolutely disgusting!!
I agree it’s actually for your own gratification. Nothing more but at the same time, thinking why did I spend the money on that.
Super agreed ! Stop spending money on influencers and trips and Super Bowl stuff and keep prices reasonable !
agreed. people who buy tarte makeup are literally just funding trips for influencers.
This is such a fun, no-cost way to do an advent calendar!
What are you talking about? That lip balm alone is around 45€. To be able to do such no-cost calendar, you have to buy those items first, at some point.
@@VaivaPaula95 Since she already owned these items, rather than buying new items. But I agree, money was spent at some point in time.
Your "Shop My Stash Advent" idea is classic! It's a "no buy" holiday treasure. Your idea to have Henry select the gifts and secretly bag them is better than PriceWaterhouse hermetically sealing the Oscar winners' names! I believe you have started a new tradition, Jen. It is refreshing idea! Also, I LOVE your decorations. So lovely!
On the flip side, I’d be really interested to hear what luxury makeup is actually worth it (if any)
Read the comment further up, she knows exactly!
Some are worth it, really !! Especially skin care products. Although ,they're over priced,some luxury brands like Clarinse ,Lancome & Sisley ,etc.They are truly great brands ,but over priced !? Of course !! Sisley Paris is fabulous !! But,way,way expensive. Over priced ,yes,of course !! But,do they have real rivals, or anyone else produce real equivalent products at cheaper prices !? No,I don't think so !! Clarinse & I forgot the name of the brand at this moment ,the one founded by a bio chemist based on algae study . They truly work !! Real good brands !! Then on top of everyone, Sisley Paris exists !!
But,we can find decent stuffs at way more affordable or much cheaper ones that work ,work differently with different ingredients & FORMULA( formulations & manufacturing make the difference as well ,not just the ingredients !! ) But ,do they work instantly & do the miracle like effects of those high end brand's products do ,no ,merely ,barely !!
The most important key products that are cheap ,cost effective & work are glycerin, rose water & Castor oil .Glycerin & Castor oil are in almost every skin care / cosmetic products. That us why ,because they're staples !!! And key ingredients !!! Lol
You can buy 'em everywhere & they're cheap !! Facial cleansers are very ,very important ,too !! They have to be right for your skin ( dry or oily ,etc ) ,they need to be able to remove all the make up as well ! ( again depending on your skin types & what kind of make up you wear like heavy or waterproof kinds or natural ones ,so on )
What Jen said here is very true ,too ! The famouse cream starts w M has very ,very cheap ingredients & I believe it's just a hype !! As all the celebrities endorsed !! A lot of times,they really don't even use 'em !! Lol.My late dad was a doctor ,but he had skin care lines ,too ,he taught me about that when I was a teenager. I had friends who were in the advertising business ,they all told me the same that they use cheap ingredients & put tiny bit of the key ingredients &" major break through " ingredients in ,then spend the most on packaging / design / advertising, that is where the most of their money go to !!( advertisements) .💜🥁🐉🎤🎶💞
The brand's name came back to me now !! It's called " Alginist "! They're very good.💜
* LA Mere ,started w L not M ,my bad ! Lol
It was way back in the late 90's ,I think when I heard of 'em for the very 1st time on tv ,then everywhere in magazines !! Then,I read the ingredients at a department store, I went " The heck !!? There's nothing real good in here !!? How can this work like a miracle everyone's saying !!??" I realized it was just a hype ! That's what celebrities do & the advertisement companies do !!! Lol. The sales person asked me if I wanted to buy it ,I told her exactly these & that was the reason I wouldn't !! Lol. 💜🥁🐉🎤🎶💞
Marlena Stell did a video a while back about the costs of everything from the formulations, packaging, etc.
She even covered the price points of palettes that have mirrors and how much they add to the cost.
Jen Phelps this is a great video. One thing that you forgot to mention though is that several luxury and prestige brands also have sister drug store brands. Case in point that L’Oreal owns Maybelline, L’Oreal, Urban Decay, Lancôme and Armani makeup. And I’m sure that many influencers know this. And it blows my mind when they act surprised that a L’Oreal foundation is a great dupe for Armani Luminous Silk (of course it is because the same parent company is making it).
I'm glad someone commented this! I've used L'oreal as a dupe for Lancome for years. Back in the '90s some of their lipstick formulas were indistinguishable.
I love Urban Decay eyeshadow pallets, especially those mini pallets of the naked colors in taupes/brown shades. The colors I don’t use on my eyes is used to blend out gray areas in my hairline until I can get to my hair colorist’s house for a freshen up. I use it all.
This brings to mind La Mer skin care. Almost every Derm MD I’ve watched has said skincare from this brand is (way) overpriced and contains minimal actives. Some people with money to burn really just want to be able to show their wealth by using products like this. This is nothing new, but what IS new is the way in which we can now access very expensive things without actually buying them. When you’re on a McDonalds budget but you see people eating fillet mingon for every meal, you want the pricier item, even though you had previously been quite happy with McDonalds. Before the internet, most people on a budget really didn’t frequent very expensive retailers, so the exposure to the pricier things you don’t have was minimal. Exposure = Covet.
Well said, and so true.
Amen, sister!
People have been able to share their experiences more bc of social media. However, everyone has to stay in their own budget and stick to products that work for them. Use the stuff you have and shop smart. Be financially responsible. Don’t compare your life to others.
Some people will swear by La Mer. It makes me question what their skincare habits were before they used it.
Have you seen where they dupe la mer, with the Nivea made in Germany? Crazy
A few personal things when it comes to luxury make up or fragrance:
- I personally hate it when packaging is extremely heavy compared to its size. I don't need my eyeshadow palette or fragrance bottle to double as a weapon. I don't like it when my bag feels like I'm going away for a week just for taking my lipstick and a powder with me.
- I always feel bad when a product has luxury outer packaging or comes in a fancy box. I don't know what to do with that, and it's too pretty to throw away. Eventually I end up throwing it out anyway, feeling bad about that. So very luxurious outer packaging is not my thing.
I do appreciate some complementary mini's, though.
Thank you for having this conversation. Wish more beauty channels would follow your lead.
I agree with everything you said. But it also depends on what kind of collection you enjoy-I’d rather have three Dior Addict lipsticks than eight lipsticks from the drugstore. The same with Dior bronzers, Hourglass blushes, Guerlain meteorites. I really enjoy the products and packaging and I’d rather have a small collection I can use up.
Agree. Also the lasting power on Armani blush versus drugstore blush in same ish color vs blush that stays through out hell in summer (live in Deep South). There have been some compromises that I found definitely at the drugstore, but on mascara, I waffle a bit (or get minis unless I’m at Chanel counter) as the best one I found has been a Japanese one and I religiously use it, but will also try out Armani or Chanel products. And Lancome is my go to. i’d rather invest my money in good skin care as honestly I’m 35 and the only thing I’ll wear that’s liquid is a very, very small amount of NARS concealer and only if absolutely necessary and an old one, but a good one and that’s the Mac powder foundation.
Once I started putting my all into in hair and skin care, then I focus on premium products that last all day with my eye make up/face. It really does depend on.
But I’m sick of viral skin care products that do more of the same. I have switched to some new skin care products because I do use Trent and do treatments in between, but some products have been around for years upon years and that simply because they work. I do love Korean, French, in Japanese beauty, however.
But I don’t mind shelling out the money on lipstick and eyeshadows that I know will last in especially primers.
I use a good primer, good powder, and damn good setting spray mascara I go between. Abd I’ve found most of my HGs. Skincare is my main focus now. However I do use the Nivea hack as I compared the two and also in a French pharmacy they give great, cheaper alts that are amazing.
I think it all just depends.
I have to admit that Guerlain meteorites are great. They last forever. But they've become outrageously expensive. I used to be able to buy L'Artisan perfumes for years. Now they're $300. I've worn great perfume for decades. I can no longer afford any perfume. There's no excuse for the greedy prices. Only the wealthy can afford it.
I really enjoy the Dior’s addict lipsticks and lip balms. My daughter also loves the brand’s lipsticks. The shades are beautiful, the formula is light plus those cases are so lux.
I like luxury makeup. But here’s the thing, I don’t buy a lot of makeup.. so purchasing a few luxury items that I know I will use and enjoy using doesn’t really break the bank. Plus the packaging is 100x better and for some reason I reach for something more when the packaging is nice. Silly I know, but it’s the truth.
Obviously that's how marketing works lol. You're not unique
@ yeah no shit lol I know I’m not unique. I also know people who don’t care whatsoever about packaging and will use whatever as long as it works. I’m just stating that I prefer to use something that works and looks pretty on the outside.
Well, not only that, but you can test every single product before you buy it which is impossible to do at the drugstore.
I'm almost 50 and I have never bought a luxury makeup item. The products, for what they are, are ridiculously priced and none of the are worth my hard earned money. They just will never have that importance to me personally.
Agree!!❤
I will say someone once gave me Estee Lauder 4 eyeshadow palette and it was definitely a 10x better than drug store stuff. It didn't flake, smooth application and it blended so well. I went out clubbing and sweating and it was in tact next morning.
With high end it's always been about how it makes people feel imo, and it's a bonus if it's actually good. I had NYX pearl pigments in 2010 that had the look of the Patrick Ta shadows.
My biggest draw to more luxury makeup is the nuances in shades especially in lipsticks, with some exceptions drugstore lipstick shades tend to be stuck in certain expressions of nude, pink, rose, red etc. luxury brands have more varied shading and being a mid tone cool tone mature skin woman, I can’t do brights or brownish anymore. I often mix two or three shades together to get what I want but touch ups are more complicated 😅
Great subject Jen 🎉
I feel that about the blushes. More nuanced shades that make a big difference to me. I don’t like most of the blushes or applications I see out there.
Wow, your son has grown!!
Such an excellent video. I rarely buy hi-end because I find excellent drugstore products. I just don't see the need to buy hi-end especially if brands gift products & trips to people; I wash my face at the end of the day and the makeup products all goes down the drain.
Thank you for being here for me !
😂😂 so true..same as the fancy packaging.... it all goes in the bin afterwards!!👍👍
I was thinking the same. What a difference a year makes
I think what most people don't realize about Tir Tir and sending expensive gifts to influencers is the difference in culture. In many Asian societies, gifts are a part of the whole sale process, both inexpensive and luxurious. I hope these companies hire advisores that will steer them down the right path.
Having recently tried luxury makeup and skincare, I can see the appeal. Even ordering from a mid-tier brand like Tarte was much nicer than buying from Ulta. My order came beautifully wrapped in a reusable box and came with samples I was not expecting.
I know a lot of people get on Tarte, but I love them too!
I absolutely love ❤️ Tarte! Everything I got was wrapped up beautifully and nothing broke on the way! (Lol Sephora and Ulta) and just now got my order in yesterday) Everything looks FANTASTIC! I appreciate that
Ditto for colorpop
I've missed your Vlogmas intro so much!
I missed it too, haha! I wish I could have it year round. 🥰
"Shop My Stash Advent" is a FANTASTIC idea!!!! I want to do this on my own with my daughter!
I only get luxury brands if they're running a special deal. Last Christmas I got a Dior gift set for $120. It came with 2 lipsticks, makeup cleanser, facial moisturizer, eye gel, mascara and eye shadow palette, all full size. Plus a Miss Dior perfume mini. Not to mention it was packaged in an attractive reusable case that zipped up, with a handle, I can use after the cosmetics are used up. If I wait until the holidays are over, many retailers put holiday sets on sale for 30% - 70% off.
Brands like Chanel and Dior never go on sale, but some stores give 15% discount on all their beauty and fragrance products for a couple of days.
Oh my goodness!! How your son has grown since last year!!
Yes! He's 5'4"...almost my height and he's only 11. 😭😭
As a retired person, I can't spend top dollar on things. However, I rarely did when I was working. When I was on top of my game career-wise, I would treat myself more often. But, I didn't always feel the product was any better than drugstore products. The only difference I found between high end and drugstore was perfumes.
Your ability to speak while applying makeup is remarkable!
Amazing! This us my first time watching. I am beyond impressed with her ability.
For brands like Dior and Chanel I’ve always thought that it’s the wildly overpriced cosmetics lines that prop up the Haute Couture division.
When you think about the required margins (to satisfy the investors/shareholders) you can begin to appreciate just how obscene the whole shabby situation is.
As a marketing pro you’ll know that in retail you have one of the following:
High volume/low margin (eg Elf)
Low volume/high margin (eg Patrick Ta)
The holy grail is high volume/high margin. Once you understand that you realise why the brands push push push their stuff out to the “influencers”
Find a product that works for you; pay less attention to the name on the box!
@@stormcloudgathering I do think that both Dior and Chanel eyeshadows are beautiful, and look gorgeous, but I'm not able and or willing to spend that much money on one. Granted if people bought less of everything then it could kind of even out, say if you only owned the one $80.00 palette, as opposed to 7 10.00 dollar ones 🤷 / It's all tied to the 2000's pattern of over consumption, with literally EVERYTHING....
Yes the I find She glam packaging to be higher quality than Dior .
I stopped buying Dior and Chanel, as beautiful as they are, because they are not cruelty-free.
Chanel doesn't have investors or shareholders, since it is a private company.
@@zeitgeist7788 indeed, but the Wertheimer brothers have invested a not inconsiderable amount of money into the company and will require a return on that investment.
One main thing I don’t like about drugstore foundation is the undertones it’s very hard to find one that works for me. High end is better about undertones for pale olive skin. Other than that I like drugstore mostly.
hard agree, i have to look to K beauty as a fair olive. still haven’t found the right formula+shade in a single product for me :(
Have you found a foundation that works for your skin tone? Would you be willing to share what it is?
I agree most drugstore foundations have bad shade ranges and/or undertones that aren't realistic. I'm a fair/light olive and have found a couple of gems though: Maybelline super stay skin tint, shade 118 & Loreal infallible in shade 415.
@@Justaregularoldplumbusyou should try About face in F2oliveor Tarte Foundcealer in 13N.
@@chamorrojen1905 Thanks so much for this info!
1. A few years ago I ordered a lipstick from Chanel (my first and only purchase to date) and it came in a beautiful, sturdy box that I still use to this day and a handful of samples. The shopping experience made the expensive lipstick worth it. But even Chanel is cheap these days and they send little folded paper bags instead of boxes if you don't buy enough products. It's probably better for the environment tbh but it detracts from the lux shopping experience.
2. I've been no buy for a couple of years now and what I've come to realize is that we all own way too much makeup. I've gifted so much and I still have enough foundation to last 2-4 years and enough lipsticks that I can wear a different color every day for 1+ months. I have 8-10 eyeshadow palettes. When I feel the urge to buy the newest hyped product, I just go play with what I have and I always realize that what I have serves my needs. My goal is to hit pan on my products and that hasn't happened yet.
Makeup is fun and I have 3 teenage granddaughters that I gift barely used products to them - mostly eyeshadows that didn’t work for me. They use it all. My own mother wore red lipstick and nothing else. My daughter seldom wears makeup but her daughters do wear it just like I do. Makeup love must skip generations in my family 😂.
I'm willing to pay a little extra for good quality i refuse to waste my money just to buy a name ❤ great vid!
I love your holiday background!❤
It's funny that you did this video now, because I've been thinking about something simular for the past couple of weeks. I watch several influences on you tube and have been thinking WHY with all these expensive products being given out for FREE to certain peoples do we ( the rest of us ) get stuck paying the high prices???
I was thinking the same thing this week!
I got so much hate when I commented about how expensive those Patrick Ta eyeshadows are. It was ridiculous the way women were defending it. I just ordered the Kylie Cosmetics eyeshadow glitter quad that was on sale for 16 dollars on her website. They are just as sparkly. I can't wait to get them.
Uggg, I don't buy Kylie or Kardasian anything.
Me too! I said Patrick got greedy and people defended him saying he needs to put food on the table! Such a distorted view point.
@lynettefinnigan9540 I had never bought anything from them. My niece asked for the fragrance for Christmas. Otherwise, I wouldn't have bothered.
@@Tfe78xv3t they were so nasty. Crazy!
The new ELF glitter eyeshadows for $6 are fire. Very glittery.
Oh and I forgot something : thank you for your excellent American-English, speed, prononciation, vocabulary, accent, you greatly contributes to my knowledge of your language - I live in Europe and speak French.
I love being able to see how much your son has grown each year. I remember not too long ago he had to hold the banister going down the stairs. ☺️ You share but are still discreet.
Yes! He's growing up so fast! :)
I just want products to WORK! Not a fan of paying extravagant amounts for something that I will just wash down the drain. I DO love the Tir Tir, but I use a brush for more natural finish. Still great coverage without the mask feeling. I'm oily skin though. That may make a difference. Maybelline Fit Me matte and poreless and ELF soft glam are my other go-to's. I am so glad there are people like you out there being so willing to talk about these issues!
Oh my goodness your background! 😍😍🎄🎄
Aw thanks! I had fun setting it up last week. :)
Live the Christmas decorations!
I just want the product to work!
I use The Ordinary for skin care and Kiko for makeup. Love both.
Your vlogmas is the best part of December ❤. So much truth to all you are saying about luxury products.
Yes a lot of luxury makeup is absolutely a scam. You're buying the name/brand in most instances. Also a lot of luxury is more about the packaging verses the actual formula. I stopped buying luxury a few years ago. Also, forgive me if im wrong but doesn't the owners of these luxury brands also own the drug store brands? Because it wolud make sense that the luxury items would hit first and then sometime later, the drugstore would release their own version. I thought that there was a bit of a monopoly going on in the makeup industry where some of the bigger brands owned the drugstore brands.
Edit: this is no shade to anyone who loves to buy luxury and experiencing the luxury experience. Whatever brings you joy is worth it
❤
If I'm not mistaken, I believe Estee Lauder owns Loreal
You're absolutely right about the luxury brands also owning the drugstore brands, the British beauty editor Nadine Baggott talks about it all the time, citing l'Oréal as an example.
One thing I will say about luxury makeup is that the undertones and colors are generally better than drugstore, in my humble opinion. I also don't mind paying a bit more for better quality when I know it will last me a long time.
Hi Jen, I think Revlon Super Lustrous lipsticks rival many high end brands. I enjoy many of Clinique products (foundation, stick blush and lipsticks in Sugar Pop, Bare Pop and Melon Pop)and Estee Lauder lipsticks are nice too. Thanks for the fun video. xoxo, Karen
Drug store makeup is extremely over priced as well. A mascara pre covid was no more than $12-$14. Now drugstore mascara is up there too , some $20ish. Craziness
💯 agree. I refuse to pay for anything over $15 for drugstore.
@kathrynrady8028 I used to think similarly, but my exceptions are the Covergirl Simply Ageless Perfector Essence and eyeshadow palettes from Juvia's Place (which isn't in drugstores, but is in the drugstore section at Ulta). But I understand your position. Prices are generally too high at the drugstore.
@@oracularpI agree with the Cover Girl products! Their Skin Milk light foundation is incredible! I bought 3 just in case😂
@kcloveonaleash I've definitely bought multiples of good makeup just in case, so I totally get it!
I was listening to this video while doing housework and when I heard your vlogmas music, I instantly got so happy. I look forward to your vlogmas this month!
Thank you so much for your video. Its crazy to see your son growing up! Anyway. I was a drugstore only kind of girl when that's all I could afford. I always wanted to experience the luxury side of things (Not LaMer level). But I can now afford it. My kids are grown and I can live my best life. So I have Dior, Chanel, YSL, but I also have my drugstore. So now that I have experienced the things that were on my wish list, I now know what I like and what I don't want to spend my hard earned money on. I do now find that I favor some drugstore foundations/skincare, and midrange brands. But I do look differently at ALL brands (especially skincare) now that I have been educated on ingredients. I love the discussions in the comments.
THANK YOU❤Finally some sense being spoken and BS called out! Im FED UP and NOT supporting the price gauging any longer
Jen’s Vlogmas!!! YEEEEEESSSSS!!!! So excited! 🙌 🎄
Honey, you are paying for the feeling, not necessarily the quality. You are buying an emotion.
Totally agree! It’s all about emotion. People don’t buy based off need or what makes sense for them, it’s all based on feeling and “scarcity” I have learned to take my time and purchase items that make sense.
Jen, thanks to you I recently tried the Neutrogena Hydro boost skin tint and I absolutely love it (you had talked about it in a recent video). I have a few high end foundations I plan to use up, and I’m seriously not going to buy them anymore. The hydro boost makes my skin feel like velvet, doesn’t settle into my fine lines, and surprisingly lasts all day on my skin. You are right, the brand is underrated. No, it’s not a “sexy” foundation, but boy is it ever good. Thanks!
I love that one! I just wish it came in more shades!
Loved this topic!You did a great job!So happy you mentioned NYX !I get mine on eBay for much less and never have a problem.NYX never disappoints!
I get so excited when an affordable product works well and makes me look my best!
It's a shame. Bourjois liquid foundation cost 20 euro, L'Oreal getting close , lipsticks are also overpriced, costs of food is insane in my country...I'm angry becose my salery is not getting higher, I am working and becoming more poor every day.🤬
Drugstore has gotten better but I would really like to see some ingredients like talc eliminated in more of them. Talc specifically is usually cross contamination with asbestos. High end has this problem too but it’s more common on the low end. Talc free is one of the big ones I look at regardless of price.
Thank you Jen!! We can rely on you to research and reveal the fictions created by the beauty industry.
Your presentation is always so delightful as are you!🥰🥰
Merry Christmas!🎄 ❤️
I like the luxury experience of makeup. But it's my hobby, and I'm ok with the cost. I also get irritated that every time I buy something from, say Wet & Wild, the cheap packaging breaks. After 2 or 3 times, I don't want to purchase anymore from the company.
I have never bought a Patrick Ta product.
I have bought two of the blushes with powder and cream duos and an eyeshadow palette. But to be honest, I don’t reach for them that often. They just aren’t that special and not worth the money. I don’t plan on getting any more.
Me either
love the way you're keeping it creative while shopping your stash! i feel like 'luxury' makeup has a limiting return on value. if someone wants to pay $40+ on two eyeshadows, that's their prerogative, but i'd rather pay that amount of money knowing that the people who made it were paid a liveable wage, the makeup was made ethically, and that it is an experience. i just hope that inflating these makeup prices doesn't become normalized (as much as they already have been!)
Another great video, Jen! I totally agree with you. We have to be savvy consumers. And the more people are willing to hand over the big bucks for luxury makeup, the higher the prices will go for drugstore too.
And I especially love the idea of using what you have probably forgotten about in your makeup bags as an advent calendar! So fun - especially to see what your son picked out!
Hey Jen❤ The Xmas intro feels like a Disney show, so calm and soothing to watch!
I got so excited when I saw it's the beginning of VLOGMAS! Your son has gotten so tall. Time sure does pass in a blink of an eye!
It sure does! Another inch and he'll be as tall as I am.
@JenPhelps I hope your family had a wonderful Thanksgiving ❤️
Great conversation! And I love the holiday intro!😊😊
Less expensive makeup brands are killing it these days! The only high end product I’ve bought is foundation. I love Dior’s ForeverMatte and Backstage F&B but I mostly wear LOreal foundations for my everyday look.
I agree! 20yrs ago I never bought drugstore foundation. It was always Lancôme or Dior. Now there are so many really good drugstore options that it takes a really special new formula, like the Haus Labs, for me to be willing to spend the extra dollars.
I totally agree with you. Like, i feel like most of the time the price of high end products (skincare, bags, etc.) are marked up and not exactly worth the cost for people with budget. I understand it may be an experience for you, but at the same time it's just an illusion.
I'm new to your channel, and i'm loving your works. Your content stems from consumer's perspective, which i need, as i feel the need to stay away from influence from the people on the internet.
I loved this video!
Great job, Jen.❤
Thank you.
This is such a great video idea but I haven’t even watched it yet because I needed to tell you how happy it makes me to see your Vlogmas intro! 😍❤️ It makes me feel like everything is going to be okay! So comforting. And your son grew so much this year…
Colourpop Super Shock Shadows will always be that girl! ✨✨
Love this video I am 60 yrs young love drug store brands have very dry skin however this year bought lots of high end makeup I mean lots as I felt I may be missing out. However I discovered that my drug store makeup won hands down. Have been subscribed to your channel from the start love your honesty and delivery. Watching from Ireland
For me, it depends on the product. 99% of the time drugstore works great. Usually it's foundation, powder and sunscreen that I have to go mid to luxury brands.
I watched a study on sunscreen and not all highend was as good as the cheapest. I bought a no-name sunscreen from a supermarket (as I'd forgotten to pack for holiday) I slopped it on everyone and not one of us got one sunburnt anything the whole 2 weeks!! Dirt cheap and best formula ever!! Never found it again though 😢😢😢
That's great that the cheap stuff works for you. I have oily mature skin, and also can only wear mineral sunscreen. Supergoop Matte Mineral sunscreen is the only face sunscreen I can wear that looks good and wears well. Sometimes you just have to pay more for what works.
There are so many other things I would spend money on. Donate to a food bank, a homeless shelter, the SPCA. I could go on.
Exactly! Wish more people thought like you.
Yes!! I've started to feel icky buying so many things when a lot of people in the world are struggling. I've started using a good portion of my RUclips earnings to give back to various charities and spend less on makeup.
@ That’s beautiful ♥️
@ Thank you 😊
Ritz is my favourite single eyeshadow. I've panned 2 completely, and am onto my 3rd!
Your intelligence is full-on in this video. This year I'm going drugstore. Your Xmas decorations are beautiful.
OMG! 🥰 the intro has become a tradition. I love it so much!!!!
I'm so happy Henry wanted another dinosaur advent👌🦖🦕
I started using luxury makeup from the start, when I turned 16 my mom took me to the Clinique counter and she bought me my first blush and lip gloss. With that said I had the full attention of the sales person and to me and it was an experience I will never forget! I do appreciate beautiful packaging and respect that luxury brands are for the most part the innovators pushing cosmetics into the future that the drugstore will later dupe. I do still tend to buy luxury makeup but I NEVER pay full price, I save my points and wait for sales, although I agree with you I rarely take advantage of the service a high end department store offers and I do feel like I am missing out a little, its such a treat having someone personalize the experience. Although Patrick seems to be the offender we are all talking about (I guess because he is not in the price range of his brand, those duos stand out). But come on TOM FORD, Sisley, Chantellic etc. even Lancome's holiday palette is almost $90 and I will happly concede these brands are out of touch with even every day people who want to splurge, frankly its offensive. One thing your content reminded me of is how much I use to enjoy going to a makeup counter at Saks, Macys or Neiman and take advantage of their expertise and enjoy being waited on! Thank you Jen as usual very thought provoking content!
This is the most honest beauty influencer video I've seen.
Luxury/Dept Store makeup is too fragranced for me so I avoided Chanel, Dior, etc. And I do not want sunscreen or actives in my makeup either. Drugstore gas improved their packaging thankfully. I absolutely hate plastic hinges that break & must be held together with a hair tie, lipstick & liner pencils with lids that won't stay on, etc. But now they are using cardboard & sturdier plastic packaging that is sleeker. So as long as the packaging doesn't break, leak, etc it's not a big deal to me. I just want a good product & most of the time I decant & depot & make my own palettes so the packaging isn't that important. It's ease of use & quality that matters.
I love your videos! I have been a professional makeup artist for 24 years, and an esthetician for 20, and I agree you can find phenomenal quality in all price points. Skincare, makeup, and brushes. I think there are brands worth investing in, and some I don’t use in my professional kit. The key benefits of the Laura Mercier powder, is in how finely milled it is so your makeup doesn’t become cakey over the day. I can’t say the same for the Maybelline powder, and you end up using more because it’s clumpier in texture. If you just need it to set for a few hours, not worth the price. But if you need it to last all day, worth every penny. And you use less, so it lasts longer anyway. Also, the new blurring one contains hyaluronic acid spheres, which most powders do not. Helps keep the skin balanced for drier skin types. So in some cases, you get what you pay for in terms of how long you need your makeup to last. Or how infrequently you need to touch up, but I do fully recognize there are drugstore brands that deliver fairly well. Depends on your financial priorities honestly.
Hi love how Henry is still involved in Vlogmas..amazing to see how much he has grown.. ok going to watch!!
There is another very important fact about which no one talks. Sometimes, the eveshadows are so cheap because they have cheap ingredients like Mica. This mineral is very often taken out in India in illegal mines where children work for almost no payment. So it is very cheap. Some brands really follow the track of the half products, and then it is more pricey for the end makeup product
Jen,you're so right !! My late dad was a doctor ( cerebral physiologist ) ,he was also a researcher who invented some medicines ,one of which is still selling in Japan,China,Thailand,Russia & Ukraine. but he expanded his business into a huge range from hair growth products ( which were best sellers in Japan for decades !! ) & cosmetic lines & he told me of those tricks / truth about the industry when I was a teenager, I believe I was only 17 or 18 !! Lol He also told me that they can put something they didn't wanna disclose as " fragrance " in 'em !!! LOL And as you know anything under 10% ,they do not have to mention in their ingredient lists,either !! 😅
La Mere cream was heavily endorsed by celebrities back in the late 90's ,I believe. Then it was everywhere in magazines here in the U.S.! I went to check on the ingredients out of my curiosity to a department store ( this was way before smartphones !! Lol. And I was not computer savvy ,still not to this day !! 😅 )and I went " What the heck !?? There's nothing good here in this jar !!" Lol. The sales lady asked me if I wanted to purchase it ,I told her exactly why I wouldn't !! Lol. The most of times ,these " celebrities " don't even really use those products at all !! Lol.
Even lipstick's credits in magazines so on ,the make up artists use 3, 4 different coulous by totally different brands to work on the individuals !! Lol. I learned this when I was 18 or 19 in Tokyo !! They NEVER use one lipstick !!! Lol.The foundations & others are the same !! They often use totally different brands !!! LOL 😅😂
But,I know there are real excellent luxury brand's products & their stuffs really work !!! Some even do beyond my expectations !! Clarinse was all time fave !! They are still one of those luxury brands that really work & do some magic !! Estee Lauder is another . As for the skin care & body products, Clarinse !! ( almost everything is excellent !! Or at least ,they do better job than others ) ,Alginist is another luxury skin care brand & they really work !!! Then Lancome does have wonderful make up / skin care products. Then,top of everything, everone ,there's Sisley Paris exists !!! Lol. Are they all overpriced !? Of course they are !!! Lol. Anything they sell in this world is sold at 5 to 10 times more of the actual costs !! Because they're doing business !! They're in for profits !! 😅But ,the companies like these I mentioned here do produce stuffs do the magical things,too ~!! So,we ,as consumers ,we need to educate ourselves more ( we've come very far with that !! ) & be wiser !! Thanks to smartphones & social media & RUclipsrs like yourself !! People can do it easier nowadays !! Lol.
The most of cosmetic/ skin care product companies spend their money more in packaging/ designs than ingredients & the most on advertisements !! The bigger ,the more !! Lol But,does this mean small brands are better ? No ,not so fast !! Lol. But,a big thanx to companies like Physician's formula & Burt's bee !! They truly raised the bar of drug store brand's qualities !!! And the competitions began !! Now ,more people buy & rely on drugstore brands than ever ,I believe !!
The cheapest / most reliable ingredients are glycerin and castor oil ,also I'd like to say rose water ,too !! This is why we find glycerin/ castor oil in almost every single skin care/ cosmetic products since around '60's ,I believe !! They really work on some wrinkles, like 11 on foreheads And they make skin more supple & the smooth base for make up & grip make up more as primers !! Remember? Before" primers " ,we only had moisturizers with glycerin/ castor oil in 'em !! Because they're staples / key ingredients.
We do not have to pay an arm and a leg for make up & skin care !! But, those luxury brands I mentioned make the work much easier & faster for sure !! Lol. Some of 'em does instantly !!! Like miracles !!! But,I cannot afford spending like I was !! 😅I swtitched to drug store brands mostly !! And I lean towards more cleaner or really clean ingredients & natural products these days !! But, withought having Physician's formula & Burt's bee aspiring others & bringing on the competitions to drug stores ,it would had been impossible !! As drug store brands were shxx before !! Lol. That all changed because of 'em about a decade ago !! And that's what it should be for us,consumers !!! Lol. I thank you so much for this video & your long lasting efforts you've been making !!!👍👍👍 💖💜🥁🐉🎤🎶💕💞
I agree 100%
Prices for everyday goods like food and gas is just ridiculous!! I can’t handle buying Christmas presents for the teens and women in my life. Ugh 😑
Something cosmetic that is special costs 25-30 for a lip glass or balm. That’s 100$ or more??! Bundle gifts stink this year. I think we decided if we spend money it will be on an experience. Making memories. ❤
Flower knows has already shown what high end can be at reasonable price points if you want outstanding packaging. In Europe I would only buy Essence makeup not because it is cheap, which it is, or because they regularly have well-designed limited editions, but because it is marketed at minors and therefore has to meet the much higher health and safety standards for children. In the US, there is no need to buy anything more expensive than Physicians' Formula which is usually duping ultra high end makeup with better ingredients.
Thank you for all this valuable information.
Oh Jen! I’m so happy to hear the music and see your boys back as he grows❤ I love my PT duo, but also love my ELF😂
Jen I love when you go in with applying your pretty makeup while chatting and teaching us valuable information, now I love being a girly girl I love all my makeup and things and packaging and I love being in my makeup/perfume room but I will not just give my money away for nothing Patrick Ta eye shadow is just way too overpriced he did it to see if he could get away with it. Crushed pearls is a BIG GIMMICK and he knows it. Jen thank you.❤
You created a great look with your selections, Jen! They match nicely with the lip product your son picked out. What a great idea for an advent calendar! I agree with your thoughts completely. You put together a comprehensive, well thought out video about overpriced makeup.
I really enjoy your videos and your critical analysis and balanced approach. I have often saved money by watching your channel when you do deep dives into eyeshadow palettes as an example. I’ve gone into my already purchased products, especially color pop, and seen that I really don’t need a new palette. however, sometimes I give in anyway and enjoy that luxury experience. But I do love a lot of drugstore products as well. But Armani liquid blushes and luminous silk foundation just feels really good on my skin and maybe I’m falling for the hype but I love them.
I will spend more on makeup if it’s a color I love and can’t find in other brands. MAC’s nude lipsticks are an example.
Great video, Jen! Your son is getting so big. I don’t buy anything from Ulta online anymore. They don’t take any pride in the packaging of the products they sell. I can’t tell you how many powder eyeshadows, blush, or bronzers I purchased that had to be returned because they arrived broken. I would rather go directly to the brand website and make my purchase. The experience, like you said, is much, much better. Pricing is the same from wherever you buy. What I don’t like is that brands change the formulation of their product and it usually isn’t as good as the original. I finally found my favorite foundation. Loved it, used it everyday. Guess what, they changed the formulation and it’s not as good. Have to find a new fav. Thank you for your videos. Happy Holidays!
Great video! All of the points you highlighted seem spot on. I don’t buy luxury makeup or even middle of the road makeup (usually) so it’s mostly drugstore. I’ve been quite happy with it. I think you really hit the nail on the head when you said that most people care about what the makeup looks like and how it performs when you apply and wear it. And there is a drugstore dupe or alternative for almost every luxury product on the market. The colorpop super shock shadow was an excellent example! There is something to be said for the experience of buying luxury (if you choose to buy from places that actually give you the experience) while I don’t purchase luxury makeup, I do tend to favor luxury fragrances. Thankfully I don’t go through them fast! And I like diamonds. So ever so often my husband and I will be at the jewelers getting my rings cleaned or sized or what have you, and he will surprise me with something new. I like that experience 😊 ok I wrote a book sorry! Love the vlogmas and having Henry choose your makeup advent countdown was a fantastic idea! Love it! Hope you have a great week! Hugs 💖
You're so well researched and prepared. I really feel like I learned something here today. I hope you get a ton of views.
Chanel water-fresh tint is the only thing my skin loves, and there's no dupe for this. And I totally understand why I am paying such ridiculous price. But will buy it again and again :)
Oh Christmas tree--yours is gorgeous. Love the feeing of Vlogmas and the little Titmouse birds at the feeder. Looking forward to every video!
That advent calendar idea is great! Also whats on your eyes its gorgeous
Adoring the intro, again, still.. And so good to see your son, how big is he already! ❤
I just can't afford luxury makeup, but even if I could, l wouldn't be able to justify those very high prices to myself, among my life circumstances.
I love your holiday introductions
I am a visual person and the packaging reels me in every time. Not that there aren't drughstore makeup that I absolutely love, but there is just something about the whole aesthetics surrounding luxury/high end products. I say buy what you like and makes you feel your best. Have amazing day everyone!!
Yes, occasionally I buy a highend product just because I really do like the packaging. Like Hourglass blush, I wish all palettes were made so easy open like theirs.
❤❤❤ this video. I think that the more luxury brand is more over hyped and too expensive and the cheaper version perform just as good or if not better. I recently did two different makeup looks using my bh cosmetics palettes and I love it.❤
I’m allergic to “luxury” everything. It’s all marketing to entice you to part with your money to make rich people richer. Don’t fall for it. You are enough, exactly as you are! Happiness comes from within.
I enjoyed this as a makeup junkie😂 I loved your observation of the story behind the brand. Americans love a good story and so do I tbh😅 It tugs on one’s heart strings and emotions. The most successful and notable brands always have a great story!
I love that your son made you an advent calendar out of products that you already own! Great idea!
When it comes to luxury makeup or fragrance, I think that materials and ingredients are higher quality, and also it depends on the regulation of the country of origin. In EU luxury, highend and drugstore products are safe ingredientwise, but differ in performance. One can splurge on things they wish, but I have seen overconsumerism in drugstore and affordable items as far as it is easy to pay less money at once.
Yay! Vlogmas with Jen! 😃⛄️
I have a mix of high end and drugstore. There are so many great drugstore products out there!
Hey have you tried any of the Olay super serums? They’re pricey so I’ve been reluctant to buy and I haven’t really seen any reviews on them. Just curious if you’ve tried any of them.